Flying is a nightmare, or rather, the facilities surrounding flying are a nightmare. Checking in two hours prior to your flight, going through the entire security rigmarole which sees you unpacking half of luggage and then having to squeeze it back in, and then rushing onto an overcrowded airplane only to wedge yourself in between an overweight, nervous flyer and a hyperactive five-year-old first timer. Seems like there should be an easier solution, and now there just might be.

Surf Air, the brainchild of brothers Wade and Dave Eyerly, is an awesome concept – “subscription-based air travel on private planes”. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a hassle-free solution for the everyday Joe or Jane that they otherwise could not have afforded. You get to drive right up to the plane, skip check-in and security and sit back and actually enjoy your flight. Best part? Unlimited flights, no really.

With launch planned for 2012, Surf Air will simplify and enhance the flying experience through an exclusive all-you-can-fly membership.

Membership, which will initially start at around $1 000 a month, gets you:

No hassle, no lines and no fees

Unlimited flights (up to six reservations at a time)

Book in under 30-seconds

Convenient and accessible local airports

Oh, and you’ll be on a private plane, which boasts all the expected luxuries:

As a member of Surf Air, you can always expect a first-class experience as part of your all-you-can-fly benefits. On our executive aircraft, you will always enjoy a comfortable leather seat and plenty of space to relax or work. We’ll know your name and help you with whatever you need during any point in your flying experience. You can expect to be treated with exceptional attention to detail—and with a service ethic that’s second to none. As a Surf Air member, you will also have access to exclusive deals with strategic partners in ground transportation, accommodation, recreation, entertainment and other businesses and organizations.

Not too bad, eh? Now, all we need is for some local people to pick it up and, uh, fly with it.

Here’s an interview with the Wade Eyerly:

Initially, flights will be limited between four destinations in the USA, Palo Alto, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, with an eye on further expansion down the line.

Just hoping they won’t use a PC12 if someone starts this off in South Africa….. with all the fuss you kick up around an engine failure on the 1Time plane – can you imagine if the engine fails on this thing…..

PS – check out the blurb on Wikipedia about DayJet. They tried something similar in Florida back in ’07/’08 and it didn’t work.

http://www.facebook.com/schalkburgerjnr Schalk Burger

Did anyone watch South Park last night? Mr. Garrison’s invention “IT” is an alternative to frustrated air travelers.